LocalSend delivers a lightning-fast, privacy-first, and completely open-source file sharing experience—empowering you to send files between any devices without the cloud dependency, subscription fees, or platform restrictions of proprietary sharing solutions.
Website: https://localsend.org/
localsend
Why Choose LocalSend?
In a landscape dominated by cloud-dependent, platform-specific sharing tools, LocalSend stands out with a radically different approach:
- True Cross-Platform Support
Works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS—no more being locked into Apple's ecosystem or Google's services. - Privacy First & Peer-to-Peer
All transfers happen directly between your devices over your local network. No cloud servers, no data mining, no third-party access to your files. - Lightning-Fast & Unlimited
Transfer files at full network speed with no size limits, data caps, or artificial throttling. Share 4K videos, entire photo libraries, or massive datasets instantly. - Zero Setup Required
Automatic device discovery means no QR codes, no pairing processes, no account creation. Just install and start sharing immediately. - Open Source & Free Forever
No subscriptions, no premium tiers, no hidden costs. All code is available under the Apache 2.0 license with an active community of 63,000+ GitHub stars. - End-to-End Encryption
Built-in security ensures your files remain private during transfer, with no possibility of interception or unauthorized access.
Spotlight on Key Features
1. Universal Device Discovery
• Automatic detection of nearby devices on your network
• No manual IP addresses or complex setup procedures
• Instant recognition across all supported platforms
• Works with any combination of devices simultaneously
2. Blazing Fast Transfers
• Direct peer-to-peer connection for maximum speed
• No file size limitations or transfer quotas
• Full utilization of your local network bandwidth
• Progress tracking and resumable transfers
3. Complete Privacy Control
• All data stays on your local network
• No cloud storage or external server dependencies
• End-to-end encryption for secure transfers
• No tracking, analytics, or data collection
4. Simple & Intuitive Interface
• Clean, distraction-free design across all platforms
• Drag-and-drop file sharing
• Text message sharing for quick notes
• Clipboard content transfer between devices
5. Enterprise-Ready Reliability
• Stable, production-tested codebase
• Active development with regular updates
• Multi-language support (40+ languages)
• Comprehensive platform coverage including mobile and desktop
LocalSend vs. Proprietary Sharing Solutions
How does LocalSend compare to the big names in file sharing? Here's a side-by-side look:
| Feature | LocalSend | AirDrop | Google Drive | WeTransfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free, open-source | Free (Apple devices only) | $6-$18/month | $12-$25/month |
| Platform Support | ✅ All major platforms | ❌ Apple ecosystem only | ✅ Cross-platform | ✅ Cross-platform |
| File Size Limits | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ⚠️ 15GB free, paid tiers | ⚠️ 2GB free, 20GB paid |
| Internet Required | ❌ Local network only | ❌ Local network only | ✅ Always required | ✅ Always required |
| Privacy | ✅ Complete local control | ✅ Direct transfer | ❌ Cloud storage | ❌ Cloud servers |
| Source Code | ✅ Apache 2.0 license | ❌ Closed | ❌ Closed | ❌ Closed |
| Speed | ✅ Full network speed | ✅ Full network speed | ⚠️ Internet dependent | ⚠️ Internet dependent |
| Setup Required | ❌ Zero configuration | ❌ Zero configuration | ✅ Account required | ✅ Account required |
| Data Retention | ✅ You control everything | ✅ Direct transfer | ⚠️ Stored in cloud | ⚠️ 7-day deletion |
| Offline Usage | ✅ Always works offline | ✅ Always works offline | ❌ Internet required | ❌ Internet required |
Beyond the Feature Matrix
- No Vendor Lock-In: Works with any device combination—never be trapped in a single ecosystem again.
- No Cloud Dependencies: Your files never leave your local network, ensuring complete privacy and security.
- No Subscription Creep: Use LocalSend forever without worrying about changing pricing or feature restrictions.
- No Platform Discrimination: Equal functionality across all supported platforms, unlike ecosystem-specific solutions.
Getting Started in Minutes
LocalSend is designed for instant deployment across all your devices:
📱 Mobile Installation
Android: Download from Google Play Store or install APK from GitHub
iOS: Download from App Store
💻 Desktop Installation
Windows:
# Using Winget
winget install localsend
# Using Chocolatey
choco install localsend
macOS:
# Using Homebrew
brew tap localsend/localsend
brew install localsend
Linux:
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install localsend
# Flatpak
flatpak install flathub org.localsend.localsend_app
🚀 Start Sharing Immediately
- Install LocalSend on your devices
- Connect to the same WiFi network
- Open LocalSend on both devices
- Select files and send—devices appear automatically!
Real-World Success Stories
"I've been using LocalSend for months now and it's been 100% reliable. AirDrop was constantly failing me, but LocalSend just works every single time. The cross-platform support is a game-changer."
— David, iOS Developer
"Finally ditched Google Drive for file transfers between my work devices. LocalSend is faster, more secure, and doesn't eat into my data plan. Plus, no more waiting for uploads and downloads."
— Sarah, Graphic Designer
"LocalSend saved my workflow. I regularly transfer 50GB+ video files between my editing stations, and it's the only solution that handles these transfers reliably without cloud limitations."
— Marcus, Video Editor
Practical Applications
Creative Professionals
Transfer large design files, 4K videos, and RAW photos between devices instantly—no more waiting for cloud uploads or dealing with compression artifacts.
Development Teams
Share code repositories, build artifacts, and test files across different development environments without external dependencies or security concerns.
Family & Personal Use
Easily move photos, videos, and documents between family members' devices regardless of whether they use iPhone, Android, Windows, or Mac.
Business Environments
Secure file sharing within office networks without exposing sensitive data to cloud services or requiring complex VPN setups.
Join the LocalSend Community
With over 63,800 GitHub stars and active development, LocalSend represents the gold standard for open-source file sharing:
- Contribute Code: Help improve features and fix bugs via GitHub
- Join Discussions: Connect with users and developers on Discord
- Translate: Help make LocalSend accessible in more languages
- Support Development: Contribute through the in-app tip jar or GitHub Sponsors
Global Recognition
LocalSend has been featured and recommended by major tech publications worldwide:
- It's FOSS: "An Open-Source AirDrop Alternative For Everyone!"
- Daring Fireball: "Just an outstanding project... Free of charge, open source, and no ads"
- TechnoTim: "A great alternative to AirDrop that works on every platform"
Final Thoughts
File sharing shouldn't be limited by your choice of devices, held hostage by cloud services, or compromised by privacy risks. LocalSend represents a new era of file sharing: open, fast, secure, and truly universal. Whether you're a creative professional moving large files, a family sharing memories, or a business maintaining data privacy, LocalSend offers the reliability and freedom you deserve.
The beauty of LocalSend lies in its simplicity—it just works, exactly as file sharing should. No accounts, no limits, no compromises.
Ready to experience seamless file sharing? Download LocalSend from localsend.org or explore the code on GitHub.
